2. 对不能参加而迟复邀请回信表示歉意
Apologizing for being unable to accept the invitation and give an early reply
Dear [Mr. Hovell]:
Please accept my apologies for the delay in acknowledging your invitation for [lunch/ dinner/ cocktails] on [September the fourth, this year]. I have been away form the office and only just returned.
Unfortunately, I have other plans for the date you mention, but shall be happy to make a date for some other convenient time.
Cordially,
亲爱的[霍维尔先生]:
未能对您发来的出席[今年9月4日]举行的[午宴/晚宴/鸡尾酒会]的邀请予以及时答复深表歉意。我因一直外出，刚刚返回。
很遗憾，由于有其他事务安排，故不能赴约。我很愿意在以后方便的时候前去拜会。
